5 Great events at Eastern States Exposition

It’s not just home to The Big E, you know! Eastern States Exposition (ESE) has a full agenda of fun and interesting shows year-round. Come on over to their West Springfield fairgrounds and enjoy some of these terrific events!

1. Melha Shrine Circus (April 28 – May 1) in the Coliseum – Enjoy this classic 3-ring circus featuring trapeze, clowns, tigers, elephants, dogs and a cannon shoot. Show times are April 28 at 6:30pm, April 29 at 7:30pm, Saturday, April 30 at 10am, 2:30pm and 7:30pm, and May 1 at 12:30pm and 4:30pm. Ticket prices are $18 for box seats, $14 for reserved seats, under 4 years old admitted free (if seated on adult’s lap). For tickets call 413-205-5109.

Horse show at Eastern States Exposition. Photo courtesy ESE.

2. A Vintner’s Harvest (May 18 at 5:30pm) – This ESE Foundation Fundraiser will be held in the Storrowton Village Museum and feature winning regional wines and cheeses of distinction from the 2010 Big E Gold Wine and Cheese Competitions paired with fine foods by Mark Tansey Caterers. Tickets are $75 per person, and donations will help sustain, expand and create youth agricultural programs at The Big E. For ticket information, call 413-737-2443.

3. Top Horse Shows – The ESE Coliseum is home to several specialty horse shows throughout the year, including the Hudson Valley Arabian Horse Show (May 13-15), the Vermont Spring Classic Morgan Horse Show (May 18-21), the Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut Show (May 27-29) and the Connecticut Morgan Horse Show (June 8-11). Visit www.thebige.com for specific information for each show.

4. Heirloom’s West Springfield Rubber Stamp & Paper Arts Festival (June 4-5) – If you enjoy collecting rubber stamps, cardmaking, scrapbooking, demonstrations and much more, head over to this unique event at the Better Living Center. Hours are 10am - 5pm on June 4, and 11am – 4pm on June 5. Admission is $8 for adults on Saturday (with free Sunday) or $6 Sunday admission. Children under 12 are free. Special discounts are available at www.heirloompro.com. Contact Heirloom Productions at 541-574-8000 for more information.

Storrowton Village Gazebo at Eastern States Exposition. Photo courtesy ESE

5. Opening Day at Storrowton (June 18) – Kick off the summer season with this free event for the whole family from 11am – 3pm. During the festivities, costumed interpreters will reveal what life was like in the 19th century with activities and tours throughout Storrowton Village’s historic buildings. Tours continue all summer through August 26 with guided tours for individuals and groups Tuesday – Saturday, from 11am – 3pm. For more information about Storrowton Village’s summer season, call the Village office at 413-205-5051 or visit TheBigE.com.

Spring has sprung…so get out and explore your Valley! Click here to order your free copy of the Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley Visitor Guide, produced by the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. Then click on our WOW Values bubble to take advantage of great discounts on area hotels, shopping and attractions.